Montana Woods N Water December 2016 Print Edition | Page 7

HUNTING CONTINUED The rifle cracked and the cat came rolling out of the tree grabbing and snapping limbs on his decent. Snow fell and drifted from the big pine in all directions. The dogs were tied up but things got intense quick when the cat hit the ground, they wanted a piece of their kitty. Everyone just sort of stood there trying to take in what had just happened as the cat darted deeper and higher up into the mountains. After a few yards the cat was found and retrieved. The dogs were let loose to be rewarded for a good job. High fives and congratulations were passed around. Teresa was smiling from ear to ear, Isiah stood tall and very proud of his wife. Pictures were taken and my adrenalin rush was over, I was feeling bushed to say the least. This old man can’t keep up with the young dogs like he used to. I was ready for a cat nap. From my days of coon, rabbit and hog hunting hearing the baying and barking of hounds stirs up something inside that only hound hunters can understand. Now if those same hounds are barking at the deer or the neighbor that just crossed the yard it just doesn’t have the same notes and musical tone as a hound hot on a track. A special thanks goes out to George Nass, Teresa and Isiah Joiner for allowing me to tag along. Whiskey and I had a blast but I think next time 6:00AM is plenty early for this old cat. Publisher’s Note: The reason you get out so early to cat hunt is to claim the track first. If we had been another 30 minutes later we would have lost the track to another houndsman that drove up on us. MOST houndsman respect other houndsmen and claim to a track. As a professional houndsman if you find a track you always try to determine if someone else is sitting on the other end of the track or somewhere in between. Mixing dogs is not a good idea. Plus it is just good sportsmanship. From the staff at Tires Plus we thank you for your business and we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Old man winter is here so don’t get caught in the cold without your chains. Call us today about tire Top Left: George Nass Isiah & Teresa Joiner. chains for your vehicle. Top Right: Teresa and Red Left Middle: Teresa & Isiah Middle Right: The Crew Bottom Left: Teresa “Living The Dream” 5